WYOMING: After an impressive season in 2011, Wyoming is looking to build upon its success and compete for the Mountain West title. QB Brett Smith (3,332 total yds, 31 total TD) set the MWC record for total yards as a freshman last season and growth is only expected, as the sky is the limit for this dual threat quarterback. The Cowboys will also get back their top three WRs, who combined for 129 receptions and 9 TD last season. The offensive line needs to improve as last year, Smith was running for his life far too often. Defensively, the Cowboys should be better than they were last year when they struggled mightily against the run. Playmaking CB Blair Burns (4 INT) returns in 2012 with a secondary that was dominant at times last season. The front seven is the issue here, as last year's woes of stopping the run will prevent this team from reaching its goals.

NEVADA: The Wolf Pack are looking to build on a year in which they played in a bowl game by climbing to the top of the Mountain West. The 2011 Freshman of the Year, Cody Fajardo (2,401 pass yds, 17 TD), returns as the team's QB and he'll get back one of Nevada's best WRs in Brandon Wemberly, who sat out 2011 after being shot in the torso. The offensive line is going to have to be completely retooled, while also blocking for a group of inexperience running backs. On defense, five seniors return in the Wolf Pack secondary, but new faces along the defensive line make it tough to believe that this team will have success stopping the run.